Statistical Analysis of Racial Disparities in Prison Sentencing

Presenter: Victoria Lambert

Co-Presenter(s):
Jade Kent

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 22-23

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Caitlin Henry

Department: Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies

Funding Source/Sponsor: Koret Scholars Program

Abstract:
In recent decades, scholars have worked to expose the justice system of its racial disparities and unlawful processes. Our research focuses on the statistical significance of racial disparities in resentencing decision processes in the state of California. The results of our studies will contribute to the evaluation of the racial impact of Penal Code section 1170(d)(1). We use chi-squared statistical tests to determine whether the sentencing process is fairly (equally) executed among racial groups including Black, Hispanic, White and an "Other" group comprised of American Natives and Pacific Islanders. We hypothesize there will be disproportionalities between racial groups.